Treating Macular Degeneration

Treating Macular Degeneration

Untreated macular degeneration is one of the leading causes of blindness in those over 65 years old.

While researchers have not yet discovered a cure for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), there are treatment options which prevent the disease from progressing to blindness, and in some cases, they can even improve vision. It’s important to have an open discussion with your eye doctor about the risks and limitations of AMD treatments.

Types of Macular Degeneration:

There are 2 basic types of AMD, the wet form and the dry form.

Dry macular degeneration is considered the less aggressive form of AMD. It typically progresses much more slowly, and the level of eyesight damage is less severe. Dry AMD is detected during routine eye exams, which is why it’s important to have yearly testing. Treating Dry AMD often involves high doses of zinc and antioxidants which have been shown to slow diseases progression.

Wet macular degeneration is the more severe form of AMD. It occurs when there is abnormal blood vessel growth (angiogenesis), and leakage, which can cause scar tissue to develop. Treatments include laser surgery, injecting light sensitive dyes, or AMD medication injected directly into the eye to inhibit angiogenesis.

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AMD is an age related eye disease that runs in families, and is a leading cause of blindness in our aging population. There is no cure for this ocular disease, and AMD related vision loss is cannot usually be recovered. There are treatments, and preventative measures that can be taken, if detected early, so routine eye exams are essential.

Dry macular degeneration symptoms include: consistent, slightly blurred vision within your central visual field. You may have difficulty in recognizing faces. And have a sudden need for more light while reading or working. The dry form of this disease gets progressively worse, over time. Wet macular degeneration symptoms include: a distortion of straight lines and an inability to focus properly on a single point within a grid. Wet macular degeneration is an advanced stage of the disease, and often results in blind spots and loss of centralized vision.

Testimonials

You may recognize this gentleman. His name is Tony Weeks and he's a longstanding patient of Dr. Chiodo's at our Northwest Vision Center. In the photo he is flanked by Christy Klimek (the office manager at the Northwest Vision Center) along with Dr. Chiodo. Tony works as a fulltime corrections officer at a high-risk prison in Victorville California but also is (better known as) a popular professional boxing referee. He...

- Tony Weeks

Rayne Thomas has been a patient at the Summerlin Vision Center since 2004. Ms. Thomas is one of our more interesting patients. She’s a world class author, blues vocalist and humorist. Rayne has had so many accomplishments in her life; they are far too numerous to mention. Her goal is to travel the world with the idea of “healing hearts thru laughter”. She conducts workshops and speaking engagements under this premise,...

- Rayne Thomas

8News NOW Weather Anchor and TV Reporter, Diane Tuazon has been a client of Summerlin Vision Center since she moved to Las Vegas back in 2004. Working in front of a camera and being on television every day takes a strain on my eyes, which is why I have to make sure I see the best optometrists in town, and I trust none other than the staff at Summerlin Vision...

- Diane Tuazon

Ted Keegan is our featured patient shown in this picture with Office Manager Melissa Petrie on the left and Dr. Lisa Guerrero on the right. Ted frequents our Seven Hills Vision Center based on the superior level of care provided by Dr. Guerrero and the entire staff. Ted, is a singer, actor and photographer who previously played the phantom in “Phantom of the Opera” in Las Vegas. Ted is joining...

- Ted Keegan

8 News NOW Weather Anchor, Sherry Swensk, has been a client of Summerlin Vision Center for about as long as she’s been on TV in Las Vegas - nearly 20 years! “Forecasting the weather each day, seeing numbers clearly is vital to my job - especially at 4 a.m. Everything can be pretty blurry at that early hour. But thanks to the great staff at Summerlin Vision Center, it’s easy...

- Sherry Swensk

Derrick Williams is an actor/singer for Disney Theatrical. He is currently performing in the Lion King Show at the Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas where he taps into his catlike side as Simba’s father, Mufasa. Derrick Williams is no stranger to the stage. He is originally from New York and is an amazing Broadway actor. He has graced stages on Broadway in “Aida” and “Swing”; has appeared on television programs such...

- Derrick Williams

Seven Hills’ Vision Center is the best!!! I’ve been a client for years for all of my vision needs. They offer incredible service, convenient appointments, the very best most up-todate high tech equipment to ensure a complete eye exam, and offers a classy selection of frames to meet the needs of the most stylish trendiest dressers. Anyone who asks me for an eye dr in town, I never hesitate to say, Dr. Lee at Seven...

- Rudy Ruettiger, from the Movie RUDY

My husband and I had been to other eye doctors in the past and neither one of us had ever left with that satisfied feeling. We knew we’d never go back to “that place” again. So, when we were referred to Dr. Podloski at the vision center needless to say, we didn’t have high hopes for anything different. Our first was at the Northwest location and from the minute we...

- Trish Ketchell

My experience at the Vision Center with Dr. Podloski was educational and streamlined. I had never had glasses before and I was nervous about going to the eye doctor to begin with. I went back to school last year and I was required to do a lot more reading than I was used to Dr. Podloski listened very carefully to my concerns and explained everything in detail that was happening...

- Amanda Ketzenberger

Dear Dr. Guerrero I want to take this time to let you know how nice and exceptional your staff is. From Stephanie, Melissa, and will who welcome you so pleasantly on the phone and entering your office and are so helpful. It’s already a nice experience. Melissa was also lovely and patient when I had to go back for adjustments. You ware very pleasant and informative as well. I felt...

- Ann Kenyon

Dr Podloski I would like to take moment to extend my thanks for your help and going the extra mile to take great care and your extreme concern to help my son see again. You are an incredible doctor and very caring. I wish we had more doctors like you in this world. We’ve sent a little appreciation gift from my son and myself to show how much we are...